REVIEW: Seeking Havok by Lila Felix

Book Summary

Her life is just as messed up as her name.

All she wanted was a friend---one that knew her and not her circumstances. She needed somewhere to call home. Hers was an open door for countless men looking for the services her mother offered them. She camouflaged herself against lockers and blackboards to avoid the stares and whispers at school.

And then she found Cal...and Fade.

Cal lives like Frankenstein, rising at night to work and just trying to make it until dawn. He avoids most relationships, afraid of the things he will be asked to do. He moonlights as Fade, a radio station DJ who spends hours counseling his peers on their troubles. It was all mundane until Jocelyn called the station.

Cal and Havok pursue a friendship.

Jocelyn and Fade pursue a relationship beyond the confines of the radio waves.

But when Havok disappears, Cal will find that Havok has been guarding a lifetime worth of secrets. And when Fade and Jocelyn’s all night phone conversations cease, he finds a link between them he never saw coming.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Havok doesn’t live the life of a normal eighteen year old. Growing up with a promiscuous mother is not what any girl has ever desired. But that is the hand fate has handed her. She lives a life of loneliness and spends her time looking after a mother that doesn’t care one bit about her. Her only saving grace is the wonderful friends she has found in life. So when she meets Cal she knows that nothing but a friendship can happen between them and he can never find out about her situation. But when danger surrounds Havok she must choose between suffering with her mother of letting Cal into her world and her heart.

Cal is also living a lonely life. He spends his days sleeping and his nights at work and has no social life. That is until the day he bumps into Havok. He is blown away when he realizes that Havok isn’t like his groupies. Cal can be just Cal with Havok, instead of the person many girls swoon over, including his terrible ex-girlfriend.

What starts off as a friendship between these two lonely souls turns into a love so pure and so compassionate that you can’t help but immerse yourself in their story. Cal and Havok struggle with secrets throughout their relationship but that never takes away from Cal’s protective and loving nature. He fights for Havok like no one has ever done for her. He shows her what it is to truly be loved and needed in a beautiful way.

Seeking Havok will have you so connected to the characters that you will feel like you are entangled in their story. Havok and Cal are pretty great characters and their stories had me skipping dinner and wishing for work to be done just so that I could continue reading. The only reason this is a 4star is because I had a very hard time getting over the excessive use of the work "but". It got a little frustrating after a while. Aside from that I didn’t really find a flaw with this book.

Pick it up and prepare to be sucked into Seeking Havok!

HAPPY READING!!

*BLOG TOUR* REVIEW: Striking (Forged in Fire #1) by Rachel Higginson and Lila Felix

Book Synopsis:

Cami Montgomery stole a car and smashed it into the front of a building in upscale Beverly Hills after a lousy date with the epitome of sleaze balls. The worst part, her parents are following through on threats after this latest plea for attention. Banished from her L.A. paradise and plunged into the Appalachian Mountains with her industrious aunt and uncle, Cami is about to find out how precious life really is. 
Stockton Wright has been thrust into a hard life. He sacrifices everything to give his family and community what they need. He’s exhausted from life and work—and he’s only twenty four. What he needs is some change, and some sunshine. Even he will agree to that. He just doesn’t expect to find it in a stuck up, pompous, entitled Californian. 

Cami bursts into Stockton’s life like wildfire, consuming all his thoughts and tangling him in her web. What starts out as a contentious rivalry evolves into a desire neither of them expected. When hammer meets metal, will they crack under pressure or be forged as one?

Cami and Stockton might just end up being exactly what the other one needs, but first their love will have to be drawn out in fire.

MY REVIEW

"Our love had gone through fire and forged of the hottest, most hurtful kind. But on the other side our metals had been refined into the strongest halves of each other. It was our love that defined us now. It was the love we would feel for each other every single day moving forward."

First, THANK YOU to Rachel and Lila for giving me the privileged of reading and reviewing Striking before its release!

If you have ever read anything by both of these wonderful ladies you are in for a double treat! Lila and Rachel's storytelling makes for an "oh so sweet" combination! While you fall in love with Lila's, Stockton, you will be rooting for Rachel's,Cami, to finally be loved and acknowledged!

Cami lives her life recklessly. Growing up in a household with a family that doesn't understand her and never tells her they LOVE her, Cami resorts to being a spoiled and reckless Princess.  She doesn't care about anything but spending money and spoiling herself rotten with her parents money. So after another of her stunts, which leaves her dates' car in her mother's boutique, she is banished to the mountains with her aunt and uncle. In Tennessee she is forced to take responsibility for her actions as well as WORK. Her greatest nightmare. But Cami's outlook on life does a complete 360 when she realizes that this is her second chance at life. 

Tired of being looked down upon and being a total screw up she decides to give "Hickville" a try. Starting with actually having a friend. When she meets Willa they quickly hit it off and become the greatest of friends. Unfortunately, her brother Stockton is another story.

Stockton Wright. What can I say about Stockton that will even come close to showing you how amazing he is? *sigh*

Stockton has his own responsibilities to handle and his own struggles that he deals with. After losing his parents in a tragic accident he took on the responsibility of caring for his sister and two brothers as well as taking over the family business. And on top of that, when he isn't working, he helps out the other residents in town by providing them with food and helping with the bills.  So Cami is just not on his priority list. At first he doesn't have the time to worry about the "Duchess" and her egotistical ways. But eventually he comes to know the real Cami and he can't deny the feelings he has for her. 

As Cami and Stockton both learn to deal with their past they are put through many trails and tribulations. Cami and Stockton's story is woven with hurt and betrayal, but at the forefront, passion and LOVE. You do not want to miss out on this story!

Go pick up your copy NOW!

HAPPY READING!!  

 Check out the other stops!

SEPT 1 –  http://www.happilyeverhungover.com	SEPT 9 –  http://rainsreaderroom.blogspot.com/?m=1
SEPT 2 –  http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/	SEPT 10 –  www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com
SEPT 3 –  http://christyswrittenwordlove.wordpress.com/	SEPT 11 –  http://halesandcalesreads.wordpress.com/
SEPT 4 –  http://fabulousandfun.com	SEPT 12 –  Reganclaire.com
SEPT 5 –  http://turnthepagebookreviews.blogspot.com	SEPT 13 –  http://www.tsktskehattoread2.blogspot.com
SEPT 6 –  Lunasbooksweets.blogspot.com	SEPT 14 –  www.lifebeteweentheages.com
SEPT 7 –  http://fabulousandfun.com	SEPT 15 - Hollyshotreads.wordpress.com
SEPT 8 –  http://paperbackcowgirl.blogspot.com/?m=1

*Reckless Rebels Blog Tour* Character Interview w/ the stars of Striking by Rachel Higginson and Lila Felix

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Strikings heroine and hero, Cami and Stockton! Thank you to Lila and Rachel for sharing them with us!

For those of you who have no idea what Striking is about (I'm SMH because you should!) click HERE.

For those of you who are just as anxiously awaiting this book, I hope you enjoy my interview with Cami and Stockton!

Cami and Stockton thank you for being here today! 

Cami: Thank you so much for having us on your blog, Christina! Stock and I are so excited to be here.
Stockton: Thanks for having us. Cami needed an excuse to wear those heels anyway.  She’s been whining about it for weeks. *Cami slaps Stockton on the arm*

I'm glad that I can help! I know you two are very busy so why don't we get started!

If you were to describe each other in five words, what would they be?

Cami: Oh my, I’m going with burly, dirty, hillbilly… Just kidding! Stockton in five words is easy for me, Loving, giving, hard-working, hot-as-hell and so super talented he blows my mind every single day. Was that five words???
Stockton: Only five? Damn…headstrong, spoiled, gorgeous, loving, determined, prim, proper, pompous. *Cami slaps him again* Just ignore the last three.

What is your favorite quality in one another?

Cami: My favorite thing about Stockton is his ability to look beyond people’s choices and see something worthy in them. He did this with me, got to the root of who I was and even found some good stuff in there. He does it with his friend Shriver on probably a daily basis. He’s just perceptive and people feel that and feel comfortable around him. He makes people want to be better than what they are. Also, he’s really good at kissing. That just needs to be said.
Stockton: Cami’s best attribute is her tenacity.  It doesn’t matter how wrong that girl is, she’s gonna be wrong ‘til the cows come home.  But it was her tenacity that showed me where I was falling short.  Plus, she never hesitates to stand up to me and call me on my crap.  I love that about her.

How do you picture your lives 5 years from now?
Cami: If you say barefoot and pregnant, you’re sleeping on the couch.
Stockton: I would never—now sky high Jerry Choo or whatever those things you wear, and pregnant.  I’m good with that.
Cami: Seriously, in five years I would like to be finished with school and off into whatever career that means for me. Maybe I’m working somewhere, maybe I’m just working on my own novel on our front porch, but I want to be writing. And ok, maybe barefoot and pregnant wouldn’t be so bad.
Stockton: In five years I’d like my family to be settled.  Cami and Willa finished with school and steady in whatever they choose to do—and Cami and I making babies.  I had to say it.

Whats next for you two?
Stockton: For me, I’m just always working on new designs, looking for new materials and new techniques.  Cami has been writing and I’m hoping for her to finish something soon since she won’t let me read her work until it’s finished.  Really, I think she assumes this hillbilly can’t read her big words.

Will you be appearing in the following books?
Cami- Oh yes! Stockton’s siblings need help- like serious help. Good thing they have us!! Plus, Willa’s my bff. That girl couldn’t get rid of me if she tried!
Stockton: Somebody’s got to keep the Wrights in line.  Bridger’s a mess and West is just buck wild.

In a movie of your lives, who would play you?

Cami- Stockton would of course be played by the delicious Channing Tatum. I mean, poor Channing would need to do some serious work to look as good as my man, but I think he could eventually pull it off.

Stockton: Is that the guy in that stripper movie? Fine, if he gets to play me then I choose Kirsten Prout for you. All she needs is a royal attitude and a heart of gold, no sweat.  Although, I’m sure she wouldn’t look half as hot in my shop.

Cami- I’m very impressed that you know that, Stock. All my Hollywood gossip must be rubbing off on you.

*Stockton hangs head, embarrassed*


Okay so I have few quick "This or That" questions! And then we can wrap up and you two can enjoy a day at the lake or...spend some quality time together... *I laugh as  they both turn beet red and smile at each other*

Morning or Night?

Cami- For sure night. There was like three seconds of my life when I thought I would turn into a morning person when Mallory had me up and working at the crack of dawn every morning. But Stockton fixed that with all his late night visits. First, he kept me up all night outside of my bedroom. Now he keeps me up all night inside of the bedroom.

Stockton: I can’t believe you just said that.

Cami- What?

Stockton: Moving on…

Music or Literature?

Cami- While I love to dance, I’m going with literature. I’ve calmed down these days and there is nothing better to me than curling up with a good book.

Stockton: Music, hands down.  Alpha Rev fills my playlist.  I may have sung some to Cami last night at our window date.

Movie or TV show?

Cami- TV show. For sure. More specifically, Reality TV. I am obsessed with all that drama. I mean, now that my life’s not full of it, I can enjoy it in other people’s lives.

Stockton: Have you seen Duck Dynasty? I love that show and Fast and Loud.  And this woman and her drama shows.  You’d think she’d be done with drama, but no.  I think she feeds off of it.

Boxers or Briefs?

Cami- Boxers. Oh wait, you didn’t mean me.

Stockton: Don’t listen to her, she wears my boxers too on top of those lacey things—Praise the Lord for Victoria’s Secret.  They should build a local one, I’d keep them in business for sure.

*Cami blushes*

In one sentence tell the readers why they should read Striking.

Cami- Read Striking because our story is beautiful, it’s complex, a little angsty, but mostly it’s the story of two people with real problems that find each other and then save each other with a life-changing kind of love.

Stockton: Um—it’s good, just read it. Now I need to get my girl out of here, all this talk of lace and making babies has made me—we just need to get home.  Thanks for the interview.

Thank you both for stopping by today!

These two were a joy to interview! Don't miss out on their story! Striking is coming SEPTEMBER 1st!! In the meantime ADD Striking to your Goodreads shelf and click HERE for the synopsis!

Check out the other stops on the Reckless Rebels Blog Tour for Striking!

Regan Claire: An Interview with Rachel Higginson! Striking Blog Tour
Christy’s Written Word Love: Blog Tour: Author Interview with Lila Felix and Rachel Higginson

Hales and Cales Reads: Reckless Rebels Blog Tour – Charming Interview with Lila Felix and Rachel Higginson, co-authors of Striking (Forged in Fire #1)

BLOG TOUR: REVIEW: AnguiSH by Lila Felix

Book Description:

Anguish was the status quo, until she walked in.

Breaker James Collins is confined in a prison of his own making. Scarred doesn’t begin to define his hell since finding out his girlfriend had cheated, stolen, and lied two years ago. It led to a single event—one that would blacken his days and his nights from then on. Since then, he hasn’t left his house, crippled by fear of people and any social interaction.

Ashland talks too much and has the voice of a meth-laden prairie dog, or so she’s always been told. She’s been called annoying and irritating all of her life and gave up on having friends for a long time. College has given her a new lease on a social life and she’s embraced who she is. But now she’s waiting for the one guy who can take her breath away and put up with her antics.

A simple note pinned to a corkboard will lead Ash right to Breaker’s solitary world and she will learn that just because a guy doesn’t fit her ideal, doesn’t mean she won’t fall head over feet in love.

MY REVIEW

"You taught me that. We’d finish something and then we’d take a step back to look at the glory. So take a step back Ash—all I see is glory.”

Ashland is known as the annoying girl. She is constantly talking and has an annoying voice and because of that she doesn’t have many friends.
When she is hired to clean Breaker’s home, a pompous jerk she is determined to not let get to her, it’s not a big deal for her. She is used to being ill-treated and dealing with difficult people.

But she is fierce and has a huge heart which is why I adored her character. Yes I agreed that she was a chatter box and I find those people quite annoying but she wasn't terrible and her personality helped her be the light for whoever was in the dark.

Breaker has his own struggles and Ashland can’t help but feel like he needs help.

As they both get to know each other and try to work through the issues that Breaker has going on, their relationship blossoms into a sweet romance. But it’s not all butterflies and sunshine for Ashland and Breaker. During their struggles they both come to realize that each must learn to work on themselves separately. They learn to deal with accepting who they are and how to not let others control them.

Filled with heart wrenching moments and sweet characters, AnguiSH will have you rooting for Ashland and Breaker’s HEA until the end. And because Lila never disappoints they eventually get their HEA!

Buy this. Read it. Enjoy it.

 Buy at: ~Amazon~ or ~Barnes & Noble~

HAPPY READING!

COVER REVEAL: Striking by Lila Felix and Rachel Higginson

Check out the cover for the first book in the Forged in fire series, Striking, by Rachel Higginson and Lila Felix!

Book Synopsis:

Cami Montgomery stole a car and smashed it into the front of a building in upscale Beverly Hills after a lousy date with the epitome of sleaze balls. The worst part, her parents are following through on threats after this latest plea for attention. Banished from her L.A. paradise and plunged into the Appalachian Mountains with her industrious aunt and uncle, Cami is about to find out how precious life really is. 

Stockton Wright has been thrust into a hard life. He sacrifices everything to give his family and community what they need. He’s exhausted from life and work—and he’s only twenty four. What he needs is some change, and some sunshine. Even he will agree to that. He just doesn’t expect to find it in a stuck up, pompous, entitled Californian. 

Cami bursts into Stockton’s life like wildfire, consuming all his thoughts and tangling him in her web. What starts out as a contentious rivalry evolves into a desire neither of them expected. When hammer meets metal, will they crack under pressure or be forged as one?

Cami and Stockton might just end up being exactly what the other one needs, but first their love will have to be drawn out in fire.

Isn't it such a beautiful cover?! I think so! I cannot wait to read this one and encourage you all to the do the same!

Expected Release Day: September 1, 2013

Connect with Lila: Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog/Website ~ Goodreads

Connect with Rachel: Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog/Website ~ Goodreads

REVIEW: Love and Skate by Lila Felix

Book Description:

On the rink she’s tough, she’s a leader, she’s fast and she’s the epitome of a rebellious girl. But Nellie’s been hurt, only once, but it was enough to make her look at life through different eyes and off the rink she’s a timid girl who loves with no pretenses.

A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her. 

But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?

My Review

"Everyone hangs on to the bad things about themselves. It’s just life."

Love and Skate tells the story of Nellie and Owen. Two individuals broken by people they loved but put together by the love and kindred souls that they share.

Nellie has lived the past couple of years getting away from her judgmental parents and her backstabbing best friend. She does what she wants and doesn't care what her mother or her hometown has to say about her or her choices in life. Roller Derby, school and her job are her real HOME. Everyone in her new life accepts her for who she is. And when Owen Black comes into the picture she finally has a chance at her HEA.

Owen has been living with the guilt of letting his bitterness consume him. After losing the love of his life and his closest friend Owen isn't prepared for the escalating feelings that overcome him when he first lays eyes on Nellie...and her blue hair. He is captivated by her and finally works up the courage to talk to her.

What ensues is a beautiful and sweet romance. One where both Nellie and Owen will learn to finally let go of the past and just fall happily in love.

I cannot say how much this book oozed sweetness. It was all rainbows and sunshine and it made for a beautiful read. My only wish for this was that the love between Nellie and Owen had been built slowly instead of being an insta-love. I find it hard to read books in where the hero and heroine fall in love so quickly. I also wanted there to be some drama between them which doesn't happen until the very end and ends quickly. But other than that this book was chuck full or sweetness.

I can't wait to read about the other Black boys and see what other sweet romances Lila has in store for us! 

Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.

Buy at: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

HAPPY READING!